The World Cup opener in natural track luge in Winterleiten (AUT) came to an end on Sunday with the eliminator (formerly the pursuit). In breathtaking winter weather and icy temperatures, Evelin Lanthaler (ITA) in the women's singles and Michael Scheikl (AUT) in the men's singles won a hot finale.

(from left) Nadine Staffler (ITA), Evelin Lanthaler (ITA) and Tina Unterberger (AUT)

Winterleiten (FIL/18.12.2022) Thrilling finale at the World Cup opener in Winterleiten: In the eliminator, Evelin Lanthaler, who came through the first round with a bye, eliminated Lisa Walch (GER) in the semi-finals, in the finale the reigning world champion finished in 1.01.50 minutes and celebrated her 39th World Cup victory, followed by her teammate Nadine Staffler. For the 22-year-old it is the first podium finish in the World Cup. Third place for Tina Unterberger (AUT), ahead of Michelle Diepold (AUT).
“In contrast to the classic World Cup, an eliminator takes much longer, you have to stay focused throughout the day. I managed that very well today, I was able to improve in every run and I am very happy with this victory,” said Lanthaler after her 16th World Cup win in a row.

Showdown in the finale (from left) Alex Gruber (ITA), Michael Scheikl (AUT) and Thomas Kammerlander (AUT)

In the men's singles, there was a big showdown between Austria and Italy: already on the first round, local hero Michael Scheikl (AUT) set a new track record of 1:00.35 minutes. In the quarter-finals, Alex Gruber (ITA) broke the young track record in 1:00.28 minutes. Thomas Kammerlander (AUT), Michael Scheikl (AUT), Alex Gruber (ITA) and Florian Clara (ITA) faced off in the finale: Kammerlander set a strong time of 1:00.69 minutes. Clara was still ahead of the world champion at the last split, but the South Tyrolean was 0.07 seconds behind at the finish. Michael Scheikl took the lead in 1:00.32 minutes. Gruber fought with Scheikl from the first split time, and at the finish Gruber was just 0.02 seconds behind Scheikl, who was happy about his eighth World Cup victory: "It was really a tough battle, I progressed in the semifinale by just 0,10 seconds. The level is extremely high, in the end I guess I had luck on my side.”
“The two hundredths hurt, but the track record makes me happy. Compliments to the winner, it was a nice race,” said Gruber, who visibly felt comfortable on the ice, which was harder than on Friday.

The next FIL Luge World Cup on natural track takes place from January 6th to 8th in Mariazell (AUT).

Finale eliminator women
1. Evelin Lanthaler (ITA), 1:01.50 minutes
2. Nadine Staffler (ITA), 1:02.13 minutes
3. Tina Unterberger (AUT), 1:02.24 minutes
4. Michelle Diepold (AUT), 1:02.51 minutes

Finale eliminator men
1. Michael Scheikl (AUT), 1:00.32 minutes
2. Alex Gruber (ITA), 1:00.34 minutes
3. Thomas Kammerlander (AUT), 1:00.69 minutes
4. Florian Clara (ITA), 1:00.76 minutes

Top-3 overall standings women’s singles
1. Evelin Lanthaler (ITA), 200 points
2. Tina Unterberger (AUT), 155 points
3. Nadine Staffler (ITA), 145 points

Top-3 overall standings men's singles
1. Michael Scheikl (AUT), 185 points
2. Thomas Kammerlander (AUT), 170 points
3. Alex Gruber (ITA), 145 points